Photo credit: Max R. Sequeira
| The vibe of “Sub Specie Aeternitatis” is a captivating gothic prog maelstrom blending ethereal vocals with pounding rhythms and infectious choruses. It’s a dynamic fusion of metal, progressive rock, hard rock, and alternative, all laced with pop arena vocals, giving it a distinctly otherworldly edge. Annamaria Pinna‘s voice is a sultry force, weaving through djenty, dissonant guitars like a ship gliding across a melodic sea of intricate rhythms. Her lyrics, rich with shadowy introspection, invite listeners into a world of self-reflection, as if experiencing the eternal from within. “Lyrically, I was thinking about the dissonance in the world, juxtaposing all of our similarities, including the common themes that run through all religions. I was reminding myself that I am the one that is experiencing itself – from the eternal, hence the title. Around that time, I was listening to an Alan Watts lecture, and he quoted a 19th century Rabbi. His words stuck with me, and they were perfect to convey the message of the song. You can check out the golden reminder in the second verse. Musically, I started with improvised keyboard doodles that gradually expanded into what you hear now. I didn’t realize this while I was creating, but merging the diverse musical genres kind of creates a sound that both reflects the complexity of the message and enhances the spiritual or philosophical themes we are exploring. Of course, this reflection is only in hindsight, but this is what is so beautiful about creating. There are forces that move through us that most times we are completely unaware of and most times, we don’t understand. This is why we love doing what we do,” Pinna states. |
to “Sub Specie Aeternitatis”: https://found.ee/vajra-sub-specie-aeternitatis
“Sub Specie Aeternitatis”
Scratch at the scars
Until you bleed
Connect through our souls
Not in our roles
Don’t try to control
Breathe with the pulse
Feed every cell
Hold on to let go
The world of one
We are born out of
And not into
We are one but
Not the same
In this world of one
If I am I
Cause you are you
And you are you
Cause I am I
Then I am not I
And you are not you
We define each other’s lines
The world of one
We are born out of
And not into
We are one but
Not the same
In this world of one
Live from inside out
Experience is color
The less you have
The more you see
In black and white but
In the world of one
We are born out of
And not into
We are one but
Not the same“
About VAJRA:
Vajra is a progressive alternative rock band known for their unique and eclectic sound. Drawing influences from various genres such as rock, metal, alternative, and Eastern music, they create a distinctive blend that sets them apart.
Vajra‘s music is characterized by a rich tapestry of atmospheric and heavy instrumentation, layered with haunting melodies and powerful vocals. They often incorporate intricate guitar work, driving rhythms, and a strong emphasis on atmospheric textures. The band’s music has a dark and introspective quality, often exploring themes of spirituality, consciousness, and personal growth.
Their sound is dynamic, ranging from ethereal and hypnotic passages to intense and explosive moments. The use of unconventional instruments, such as the Tibetan singing bowls and the Indian tabla, adds a distinctive Eastern flair to their music. Lead vocalist Annamaria Pinna’s vocals are a defining element of Vajra’s sound, as her voice seamlessly transitions between angelic and haunting tones, delivering emotionally charged lyrics.
Vajra’s debut self-produced album Pleroma was created in Pinna’s bedroom in Mumbai, India, and was released on the Summer Solstice, featuring Blake Fleming (ex-The Mars Volta) on drums. Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of A Down, Prince, Johnny Cash) mixed. Tom Baker (NIN, Foo Fighters, Ministry, Prince) mastered. Their EP Irkalla was produced by Daniel ‘Sahaj’ Ticotin (Ra, Mötley Crüe) and mastered by two-time Grammy winning studio ace Camilo Silva F.
The band has already garnered a cult following via grassroots word-of-mouth fan support, and is no stranger to the Billboard chart. Their previous single “Truth Has Many Lies” debuted #2 MOST ADDED at the Mediabase Activator and SMR charts, and #4 Most added at Auxio.
Vajra also released a Top 40 single “Crown or Crucify,” which reached #7 Billboard New & Active Rock Chart and #40 on the Mediabase Active Rock Chart.
Vajra‘s “Love is a Battlefield” video has been played numerous times on MTV Live’s Metal Thrashing Madness.
Vajra premiered the official music video for their previous single “Truth Has Many Lies” via Thunder Cult Records at Revolver in October of 2024. Produced, written and edited by the band with shots taken by Tas Limur (Tool, Volto, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, Azam Ali), this video takes you on a journey through a robotic day in the life of a typical American office worker and questions the sustainability of a paralyzing paradigm so many of us are force-fed.
“Truth Has Many Lies” features Vajra’s signature dark, atmospheric sound with a mix of metal, progressive, hard rock, alternative and a hint of Eastern influences. Check it out here:
Overall, Vajra offers a unique sonic experience, blending various genres and influences into a captivating and atmospheric sound.
Musical References: Evanescence, Lacuna Coil, Halestorm, Unleash The Archers
Head to www.VajraOfficial.com for more info.
VAJRA is:
Annamaria Pinna – vocals, flute, keys
Dave Sussman – guitars
Jimmy DeMarco – drums
VAJRA online:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vajra_music_official/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/VajraOfficial
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vajratemple/
Spotify: VAJRA SPOTIFY
Press says:
“Must see act” – Rolling Stone
“Vajra are a band that mixes sorta djenty prog with epic melodic rock. They’re sort of like if Jinjer and In This Moment collaborated.” – Metal Injection
“Vajra, grips the boundaries of the metal genre and tears it to pieces, with a vibrant and powerful excitement formally undiscovered. The lead singer Annamaria Pinna is a cross between Grace Slick, Stevie Nicks and Whitney Houston, only more relevant and more dramatic. The group is so mysterious that they don’t need a genre. The band’s sound is mesmerizing, hauntingly melodic, with an Eastern Indian touch of sophistication. The sound is like something out of a metal fantasy, filled with color and sparkle… the NYC based group has raised a buzz that can only end up as a household word.” – Louder Than War
